Door handle for an electrically released door

Abstract

Door handle (1) for an electrically released door, the door handle (1) comprising a cover (2), a strain gauge (3), a vibrational device (4), and a supporting component (6), the supporting component (6) being configured to receive the strain gauge (3) and the vibrational device (4), the strain gauge (3) being in contact with the cover (2), the strain gauge (3) being paired with the vibrational device (4) so that when a pressure (F) is exerted by the user on a surface of the cover (2), the strain gauge (3) generates a signal sent to an electronic control unit which, when the signal is received, simultaneously: - triggers an actuator of the door handle (1), and - triggers the vibrational device (4) of the door handle (1), so that the vibrational device (4) generates a vibration on the surface of the cover (2).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sensors and command for vehicle door handles.BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known to include more and more sensors configured to either recognize and identify the owner of a vehicle, and / or to trigger the opening of the vehicle based on the signal generated by such sensors. Such sensors can be for example NFC Antenna, capacitive sensors, inductive sensors, strain gauge sensors, piezo sensors, etc... Some sensors have been implemented to send a signal in the aim to release a latch, and sometime to activate a motorized door.

[0003] The issue related to the implementation of such system is linked to the lack of feedback from the handle. When the user approaches the door, pushes or pulls the handle, he might not know if his action has been taken into account, and if his action has had an effect. There can be a delay between the triggering of the sensors and the release of the door. In that time span, the user is not able to judge if his action has been successful or not. Without a clear feedback from the system, the user can continue to try to activate the sensor and he can be caught off guard in the moment the door is electrically released.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a feedback from the handle or the door so that the user is aware of the correct signal sent to the electronic control unit, and has the time to move slightly away from the door to wait for the door releasing and opening.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] To that end, the present invention provides a door handle for an electrically released door, the door handle comprising a cover, a strain gauge, a vibrational device, and a supporting component, the supporting component being configured to receive the strain gauge and the vibrational device, the strain gauge being in contact with the cover, the strain gauge being paired with the vibrational device so that when a pressure is exerted by the user on a surface of the cover, the strain gauge generates a signal sent to an electronic control unit which, when the signal is received, simultaneously: triggers an actuator of the door handle, and triggers the vibrational device of the door handle, so that the vibrational device generates a vibration on the surface of the cover.

[0006] According to these provisions, the user feels the vibration during the contact with the cover of the handle, and is able to judge that his action, i.e. exerting the strain on the surface, has been effective.

[0007] According to these provisions, the mechanical feedback of the latch release in the conventional door is replicated on the electronic released door.

[0008] According to an embodiment, the invention comprises one or more of the following features, alone or in any combination technically compatible.

[0009] According to an embodiment, the contact between the strain gauge and the cover is established by an embossment on a surface of the cover opposite to the surface where the pressure is exerted by the user.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the vibrational device and the strain gauge are superimposed one over the other, along a direction transversal to the surface of the cover.

[0011] According to these provisions, the assembly is compact enough so that the vibrations generated by the vibrational device does not need to be very intensive to be felt by the user when the user exerts the strain on the surface.

[0012] According to an embodiment, a duration and a frequency of the vibration are predetermined.

[0013] According to these provisions, the user feeling may be tuned accordingly.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the strain gauge comprises a flexible strain gauge support and a strain gauge sensor attached to the strain gauge support, one end of the strain gauge support being fixed to the supporting component, another end of the strain gauge support being movable under the pressure exerted by the user on the surface of the cover wherein on the cover surface there is a distinguish element placed to let be recognizable the activation area of the strain gauge.

[0015] According to an embodiment, one end of the flexible strain gauge support is fixed with a screw.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the flexible strain gauge support has a shape such that enhances the deformation of the support itself.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the flexible strain gauge support has a lamina shape, and the lamina comprising a bended portion, and a flat portion, the strain gauge sensor being attached to the flat portion of the lamina.

[0018] According to these provisions, a position of the strain gauge sensor relative to the vibrational device and to the supporting component can be adjusted.

[0019] According to an embodiment, a movement of the other end driven by the pressure exerted by the user displaces the strain gauge sensor in the direction transversal to the surface of the cover towards the vibrational device, the movement being stopped by at least one mechanical stop configured to prevent the strain gauge sensor from touching the vibrational device, the at least one mechanical stop protruding from the supporting component.

[0020] According to these provisions, the compact arrangement of the strain gauge sensor placed over the vibrational device remains compatible with the strain gauge sensor not touching the vibrational device.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the at least one mechanical stop comprises a plurality of mechanical stops protruding from a periphery of a seat formed on the supporting component, the plurality of mechanical stops being regularly dispatched around the seat.

[0022] According to an embodiment, a dimension of the periphery of the seat is adjusted to a dimension of the vibrational device, the vibrational device being placed on the seat and maintained on the seat by a friction contact with a member protruding from at least one mechanical stop.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the door handle further comprises a damping device, and wherein a dimension of the periphery of the seat is adjusted to a dimension of the damping device, the damping device being placed on the seat by insertion in force and being maintained on the seat by a friction contact with a member protruding from at least one mechanical stops, the vibrational device being attached to the damping device.

[0024] According to these provisions, the vibrational device may be activated so that the vibrations are felt by the user, without propagating around on the rest of the door.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the vibrational device may be glued on the damping device.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the member protruding from at least one mechanical stop has a chamfer shape at one end, the chamfer shape being configured to guide the vibrational device or the damping device towards the seat when the vibrational device or the damping device is pushed towards the seat to be inserted in force in between the plurality of mechanical stops protruding from the periphery of the seat.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the mechanical stops protrude from the seat towards the strain gauge support, transversally to a plane of extension of the seat.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the member protrudes from the mechanical stops towards a central point of the seat.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the door handle comprises the actuator of the door handle, the actuator of the door handle being configured to unlatch and open the door.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the door handle does not comprise the actuator of the door handle so that release of the door is operated electrically by the ECU of the vehicle.

[0031] According to an aspect, the disclosure relates to a vehicle door comprising a door handle according to anyone of embodiments described herein above.

[0032] According to an aspect, the disclosure relates to a vehicle comprising a vehicle door comprising a door handle according to anyone of embodiments described herein above.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The foregoing and other purposes, features, aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments, given by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference refer to similar elements or to elements having similar functions, and in which: [Fig. 1] represents a door handle with a cover on which a user exerts a strain to activate the door handle. [Fig. 2] represents the door handle of figure 1 without the cover, showing a strain gauge sensor and a strain gauge support embedded on a supporting component according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 3] represents a focus on the strain gauge sensor and the strain gauge support embedded on the supporting component according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 4] represents the door handle of figure 3, without the strain gauge sensor and the a focus on the vibrational device embedded on the supporting component according to an strain gauge support, and showing example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 5] represents an exploded view of the door handle showing the damping device, the vibrational device, the strain gauge support, the supporting component and the cover, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 6] represents another exploded view of the door handle showing the strain gauge support and the supporting component, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 7] represents a schematic section view of the door handle according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 8] represents a view of the door handle supporting component with a focus on the seat and the mechanical stops, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 9] represents a view of the door handle supporting component with a focus on the seat and the mechanical stops, and the vibrational device placed on the seat, without any damping device, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 10] represents a view of the door handle supporting component with a focus on the seat and the mechanical stops, and with a damping device placed on the seat, with the vibrational device placed on the damping device, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION ACCORDING TO AN EMBODIMENT

[0034] Figure 1 represents a door handle 1 for an electrically released door, the door handle 1 comprising a cover 2; figure 1 shows a point on a surface of the cover 2 where a pressure F is exerted by a user to trigger an actuator of the electronic released door. Simultaneously, a vibration V is generated on the surface of the cover 2, which is felt by the user, who is thus able to judge that his action, i.e. exerting the pressure on the surface, has been effective.

[0035] Figure 2 represents the same door handle as in figure 1, with the cover 2 removed, showing a supporting component 6 of the door handle 1, and a strain gauge 3 embedded on the supporting component 6.

[0036] The strain gauge 3 comprises for example a strain gauge support 5 and a strain gauge sensor 3', as shown on figure 2 and on figure 3. The strain gauge sensor 3' is for example attached to the strain gauge support 5, one end 5' of the strain gauge support 5 being fixed, for example with a screw 12, to the supporting component 6, another end of the strain gauge support 5 being movable under the pressure F exerted by the user on the surface of the cover 2, wherein on the cover surface 2 there is a distinguish element placed to let be recognizable the activation area of the strain gauge.

[0037] To that effect, the strain gauge 3 is in contact with the cover 2, for example with another surface of the cover, opposite to the surface of the cover on which the pressure F is exerted by the user. The contact C may be established by an embossment on the surface of the cover 2 opposite to the surface where the pressure is exerted by the user, as is represented on figure 7.

[0038] Optionally, the flexible strain gauge support 5 has a shape such that enhances the deformation of the support itself.

[0039] According to an alternative option, represented in figure 6, the flexible strain gauge support 5 has a lamina shape, and the lamina comprises a bended portion, and a flat portion, the strain gauge sensor 3' being attached to the flat portion of the lamina, as is represented in figure 7. According to these provisions, a position of the strain gauge sensor 3' relative to the vibrational device 4 and to the supporting component 6 can be adjusted.

[0040] The same door handle as in figure 2 and 3 is represented in figure 4, with the strain gauge 3 removed, to show a vibrational device 4 also embedded on the supporting component 6 of the door handle 1.

[0041] When a pressure F is exerted by the user on a surface of the cover 2, the pressure is detected by the strain gauge 3 which generates a signal sent to an electronic control unit which, when the signal is received, simultaneously: triggers an actuator of the door handle 1, and triggers the vibrational device 4 of the door handle 1, so that the vibrational device 4 generates a vibration on the surface of the cover 2.

[0042] According to these provisions, the user feels the vibration during the contact with the cover of the handle, and is able to judge that his action, i.e. exerting the strain on the surface, has been effective.

[0043] According to these provisions, the mechanical feedback of the latch release in the conventional door is replicated on the electronic released door.

[0044] In particular, the vibrational device 4 and the strain gauge 3 may be superimposed one over the other, along a direction D transversal to the surface of the cover 2, as is represented on figure 7. Thus, the assembly is compact enough, so that the vibrations generated by the vibrational device 4 does not need to be very intensive to be felt by the user when the user exerts the pressure F on the surface of the cover 2. In particular, this helps in preventing that the vibrations propagate anywhere over the surface of the door.

[0045] Optionally a duration and a frequency of the vibration generated by the vibrational device 4 may be predetermined, so that the feeling of the user may be adjusted and tuned accordingly.

[0046] As can be seen on figure 6, the strain gauge support 5 can be an elongated part, with one end attached to the supporting component 6, by a screw for example; As can be seen on figure 7, a movement of the other end may be driven by the pressure F exerted by the user which displaces the strain gauge sensor 3' in the direction D transversal to the surface of the cover 2 towards the vibrational device 4; the movement may be stopped by at least one mechanical stop 8 configured to prevent the strain gauge sensor 3' from touching the vibrational device 4, the at least one mechanical stop 8 protruding from the supporting component 6.

[0047] Thus, the compact arrangement of the strain gauge sensor 3' placed over the vibrational device 4 remains compatible with the strain gauge sensor 3' not touching the vibrational device 4.

[0048] As is shown by figure 6, the supporting component may comprise a seat 9 configured to receive for example the vibrational device 4, with a plurality of mechanical stops 8, for example four mechanical stops 8, protruding from a periphery of the seat 9, and regularly dispatched around the seat 9.

[0049] As is shown by figure 9, a dimension of the periphery of the seat 9 may be adjusted to a dimension of the vibrational device 4, the vibrational device 4 being placed on the seat 9 and maintained on the seat 9 by a friction contact with a member 11 protruding from at least one mechanical stop 8 from the plurality of mechanical stops 8.

[0050] As is further shown on figure 7, the member 11 protruding from at least one mechanical stop has a chamfer shape 11' at one end, to help guiding the vibrational device 4 towards the seat 9 when the vibrational device is inserted in force in between the plurality of mechanical stops 8 protruding from the periphery of the seat 9 and pushed towards the seat 9, so that the vibrational device 4 is finally maintained on the seat 9 by the friction contact of the member 11 protruding from one or more of the plurality of mechanical stops 8.

[0051] For example, the mechanical stops 8 may be protruding from the seat 9 towards the strain gauge support 5, transversally to a plane of extension of the seat 9.

[0052] In particular, the member 11 may be protruding from the mechanical stops 8 towards a central point of the seat 9.

[0053] According to another example of realisation represented on figure 10, the door handle 1 may further comprise a damping device 10, a dimension of the periphery of the seat 9 being adjusted to a dimension of the damping device 10, instead of the vibrational device 4; the damping device 10 is placed on the seat 9, just as the vibrational device 4 was previously, i.e. by insertion in force, and is maintained on the seat 9 by a friction contact with the member 11 protruding from at least one mechanical stops 8. According to this example of realisation, the vibrational device 4 is attached, for example with a glue, to the damping device 10, the damping device 10 being configured to attenuate the vibrations, generated by the vibrational device 4, to a predetermined level of attenuation, and to prevent these vibrations to propagate on the door too far away from the position of the vibrational device 4.

[0054] According to these provisions, the vibrational device may be activated so that the vibrations are felt by the user, without propagating around too far on the rest of the door.

[0055] Figure 5 represents in an exploded view the different components of the door handle 1, according to this last example of realisation: the supporting component 6, the damping device 10, the vibrational device 4, the strain gauge support 5, the screw 12 to attach one end of the strain gauge support 5, and the cover 2, configured to cover all the previous components.

[0056] According to an example embodiment the door handle does not comprise the actuator of the door handle so that release of the door is operated electrically by the ECU of the vehicle.

[0057] The disclosure also relates to a vehicle door comprising a door handle according to any of the embodiments described above, and to a vehicle comprising a vehicle door with a door handle according to any of the embodiments described above.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0034]Figure 1 represents a door handle 1 for an electrically released door, the door handle 1 comprising a cover 2; figure 1 shows a point on a surface of the cover 2 where a pressure F is exerted by a user to trigger an actuator of the electronic released door. Simultaneously, a vibration V is generated on the surface of the cover 2, which is felt by the user, who is thus able to judge that his action, i.e. exerting the pressure on the surface, has been effective.

[0035]Figure 2 represents the same door handle as in figure 1, with the cover 2 removed, showing a supporting component 6 of the door handle 1, and a strain gauge 3 embedded on the supporting component 6.

[0036]The strain gauge 3 comprises for example a strain gauge support 5 and a strain gauge sensor 3', as shown on figure 2 and on figure 3. The strain gauge sensor 3' is for example attached to the strain gauge support 5, one end 5' of the strain gauge support 5 being fixed, for example with a screw 12, to the supporting ...

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sensors and command for vehicle door handles.BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known to include more and more sensors configured to either recognize and identify the owner of a vehicle, and / or to trigger the opening of the vehicle based on the signal generated by such sensors. Such sensors can be for example NFC Antenna, capacitive sensors, inductive sensors, strain gauge sensors, piezo sensors, etc... Some sensors have been implemented to send a signal in the aim to release a latch, and sometime to activate a motorized door.

[0003] The issue related to the implementation of such system is linked to the lack of feedback from the handle. When the user approaches the door, pushes or pulls the handle, he might not know if his action has been taken into account, and if his action has had an effect. There can be a delay between the triggering of the sensors and the release of the door. In that time span, the user is not able to judge if his action has been successful or not. Without a clear feedback from the system, the user can continue to try to activate the sensor and he can be caught off guard in the moment the door is electrically released.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a feedback from the handle or the door so that the user is aware of the correct signal sent to the electronic control unit, and has the time to move slightly away from the door to wait for the door releasing and opening.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] To that end, the present invention provides a door handle for an electrically released door, the door handle comprising a cover, a strain gauge, a vibrational device, and a supporting component, the supporting component being configured to receive the strain gauge and the vibrational device, the strain gauge being in contact with the cover, the strain gauge being paired with the vibrational device so that when a pressure is exerted by the user on a surface of the cover, the strain gauge generates a signal sent to an electronic control unit which, when the signal is received, simultaneously: triggers an actuator of the door handle, and triggers the vibrational device of the door handle, so that the vibrational device generates a vibration on the surface of the cover.

[0006] According to these provisions, the user feels the vibration during the contact with the cover of the handle, and is able to judge that his action, i.e. exerting the strain on the surface, has been effective.

[0007] According to these provisions, the mechanical feedback of the latch release in the conventional door is replicated on the electronic released door.

[0008] According to an embodiment, the invention comprises one or more of the following features, alone or in any combination technically compatible.

[0009] According to an embodiment, the contact between the strain gauge and the cover is established by an embossment on a surface of the cover opposite to the surface where the pressure is exerted by the user.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the vibrational device and the strain gauge are superimposed one over the other, along a direction transversal to the surface of the cover.

[0011] According to these provisions, the assembly is compact enough so that the vibrations generated by the vibrational device does not need to be very intensive to be felt by the user when the user exerts the strain on the surface.

[0012] According to an embodiment, a duration and a frequency of the vibration are predetermined.

[0013] According to these provisions, the user feeling may be tuned accordingly.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the strain gauge comprises a flexible strain gauge support and a strain gauge sensor attached to the strain gauge support, one end of the strain gauge support being fixed to the supporting component, another end of the strain gauge support being movable under the pressure exerted by the user on the surface of the cover wherein on the cover surface there is a distinguish element placed to let be recognizable the activation area of the strain gauge.

[0015] According to an embodiment, one end of the flexible strain gauge support is fixed with a screw.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the flexible strain gauge support has a shape such that enhances the deformation of the support itself.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the flexible strain gauge support has a lamina shape, and the lamina comprising a bended portion, and a flat portion, the strain gauge sensor being attached to the flat portion of the lamina.

[0018] According to these provisions, a position of the strain gauge sensor relative to the vibrational device and to the supporting component can be adjusted.

[0019] According to an embodiment, a movement of the other end driven by the pressure exerted by the user displaces the strain gauge sensor in the direction transversal to the surface of the cover towards the vibrational device, the movement being stopped by at least one mechanical stop configured to prevent the strain gauge sensor from touching the vibrational device, the at least one mechanical stop protruding from the supporting component.

[0020] According to these provisions, the compact arrangement of the strain gauge sensor placed over the vibrational device remains compatible with the strain gauge sensor not touching the vibrational device.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the at least one mechanical stop comprises a plurality of mechanical stops protruding from a periphery of a seat formed on the supporting component, the plurality of mechanical stops being regularly dispatched around the seat.

[0022] According to an embodiment, a dimension of the periphery of the seat is adjusted to a dimension of the vibrational device, the vibrational device being placed on the seat and maintained on the seat by a friction contact with a member protruding from at least one mechanical stop.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the door handle further comprises a damping device, and wherein a dimension of the periphery of the seat is adjusted to a dimension of the damping device, the damping device being placed on the seat by insertion in force and being maintained on the seat by a friction contact with a member protruding from at least one mechanical stops, the vibrational device being attached to the damping device.

[0024] According to these provisions, the vibrational device may be activated so that the vibrations are felt by the user, without propagating around on the rest of the door.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the vibrational device may be glued on the damping device.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the member protruding from at least one mechanical stop has a chamfer shape at one end, the chamfer shape being configured to guide the vibrational device or the damping device towards the seat when the vibrational device or the damping device is pushed towards the seat to be inserted in force in between the plurality of mechanical stops protruding from the periphery of the seat.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the mechanical stops protrude from the seat towards the strain gauge support, transversally to a plane of extension of the seat.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the member protrudes from the mechanical stops towards a central point of the seat.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the door handle comprises the actuator of the door handle, the actuator of the door handle being configured to unlatch and open the door.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the door handle does not comprise the actuator of the door handle so that release of the door is operated electrically by the ECU of the vehicle.

[0031] According to an aspect, the disclosure relates to a vehicle door comprising a door handle according to anyone of embodiments described herein above.

[0032] According to an aspect, the disclosure relates to a vehicle comprising a vehicle door comprising a door handle according to anyone of embodiments described herein above.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The foregoing and other purposes, features, aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments, given by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference refer to similar elements or to elements having similar functions, and in which: [Fig. 1] represents a door handle with a cover on which a user exerts a strain to activate the door handle. [Fig. 2] represents the door handle of figure 1 without the cover, showing a strain gauge sensor and a strain gauge support embedded on a supporting component according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 3] represents a focus on the strain gauge sensor and the strain gauge support embedded on the supporting component according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 4] represents the door handle of figure 3, without the strain gauge sensor and the a focus on the vibrational device embedded on the supporting component according to an strain gauge support, and showing example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 5] represents an exploded view of the door handle showing the damping device, the vibrational device, the strain gauge support, the supporting component and the cover, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 6] represents another exploded view of the door handle showing the strain gauge support and the supporting component, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 7] represents a schematic section view of the door handle according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 8] represents a view of the door handle supporting component with a focus on the seat and the mechanical stops, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 9] represents a view of the door handle supporting component with a focus on the seat and the mechanical stops, and the vibrational device placed on the seat, without any damping device, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 10] represents a view of the door handle supporting component with a focus on the seat and the mechanical stops, and with a damping device placed on the seat, with the vibrational device placed on the damping device, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION ACCORDING TO AN EMBODIMENT

[0034] Figure 1 represents a door handle 1 for an electrically released door, the door handle 1 comprising a cover 2; figure 1 shows a point on a surface of the cover 2 where a pressure F is exerted by a user to trigger an actuator of the electronic released door. Simultaneously, a vibration V is generated on the surface of the cover 2, which is felt by the user, who is thus able to judge that his action, i.e. exerting the pressure on the surface, has been effective.

[0035] Figure 2 represents the same door handle as in figure 1, with the cover 2 removed, showing a supporting component 6 of the door handle 1, and a strain gauge 3 embedded on the supporting component 6.

[0036] The strain gauge 3 comprises for example a strain gauge support 5 and a strain gauge sensor 3', as shown on figure 2 and on figure 3. The strain gauge sensor 3' is for example attached to the strain gauge support 5, one end 5' of the strain gauge support 5 being fixed, for example with a screw 12, to the supporting component 6, another end of the strain gauge support 5 being movable under the pressure F exerted by the user on the surface of the cover 2, wherein on the cover surface 2 there is a distinguish element placed to let be recognizable the activation area of the strain gauge.

[0037] To that effect, the strain gauge 3 is in contact with the cover 2, for example with another surface of the cover, opposite to the surface of the cover on which the pressure F is exerted by the user. The contact C may be established by an embossment on the surface of the cover 2 opposite to the surface where the pressure is exerted by the user, as is represented on figure 7.

[0038] Optionally, the flexible strain gauge support 5 has a shape such that enhances the deformation of the support itself.

[0039] According to an alternative option, represented in figure 6, the flexible strain gauge support 5 has a lamina shape, and the lamina comprises a bended portion, and a flat portion, the strain gauge sensor 3' being attached to the flat portion of the lamina, as is represented in figure 7. According to these provisions, a position of the strain gauge sensor 3' relative to the vibrational device 4 and to the supporting component 6 can be adjusted.

[0040] The same door handle as in figure 2 and 3 is represented in figure 4, with the strain gauge 3 removed, to show a vibrational device 4 also embedded on the supporting component 6 of the door handle 1.

[0041] When a pressure F is exerted by the user on a surface of the cover 2, the pressure is detected by the strain gauge 3 which generates a signal sent to an electronic control unit which, when the signal is received, simultaneously: triggers an actuator of the door handle 1, and triggers the vibrational device 4 of the door handle 1, so that the vibrational device 4 generates a vibration on the surface of the cover 2.

[0042] According to these provisions, the user feels the vibration during the contact with the cover of the handle, and is able to judge that his action, i.e. exerting the strain on the surface, has been effective.

[0043] According to these provisions, the mechanical feedback of the latch release in the conventional door is replicated on the electronic released door.

[0044] In particular, the vibrational device 4 and the strain gauge 3 may be superimposed one over the other, along a direction D transversal to the surface of the cover 2, as is represented on figure 7. Thus, the assembly is compact enough, so that the vibrations generated by the vibrational device 4 does not need to be very intensive to be felt by the user when the user exerts the pressure F on the surface of the cover 2. In particular, this helps in preventing that the vibrations propagate anywhere over the surface of the door.

[0045] Optionally a duration and a frequency of the vibration generated by the vibrational device 4 may be predetermined, so that the feeling of the user may be adjusted and tuned accordingly.

[0046] As can be seen on figure 6, the strain gauge support 5 can be an elongated part, with one end attached to the supporting component 6, by a screw for example; As can be seen on figure 7, a movement of the other end may be driven by the pressure F exerted by the user which displaces the strain gauge sensor 3' in the direction D transversal to the surface of the cover 2 towards the vibrational device 4; the movement may be stopped by at least one mechanical stop 8 configured to prevent the strain gauge sensor 3' from touching the vibrational device 4, the at least one mechanical stop 8 protruding from the supporting component 6.

[0047] Thus, the compact arrangement of the strain gauge sensor 3' placed over the vibrational device 4 remains compatible with the strain gauge sensor 3' not touching the vibrational device 4.

[0048] As is shown by figure 6, the supporting component may comprise a seat 9 configured to receive for example the vibrational device 4, with a plurality of mechanical stops 8, for example four mechanical stops 8, protruding from a periphery of the seat 9, and regularly dispatched around the seat 9.

[0049] As is shown by figure 9, a dimension of the periphery of the seat 9 may be adjusted to a dimension of the vibrational device 4, the vibrational device 4 being placed on the seat 9 and maintained on the seat 9 by a friction contact with a member 11 protruding from at least one mechanical stop 8 from the plurality of mechanical stops 8.

[0050] As is further shown on figure 7, the member 11 protruding from at least one mechanical stop has a chamfer shape 11' at one end, to help guiding the vibrational device 4 towards the seat 9 when the vibrational device is inserted in force in between the plurality of mechanical stops 8 protruding from the periphery of the seat 9 and pushed towards the seat 9, so that the vibrational device 4 is finally maintained on the seat 9 by the friction contact of the member 11 protruding from one or more of the plurality of mechanical stops 8.

[0051] For example, the mechanical stops 8 may be protruding from the seat 9 towards the strain gauge support 5, transversally to a plane of extension of the seat 9.

[0052] In particular, the member 11 may be protruding from the mechanical stops 8 towards a central point of the seat 9.

[0053] According to another example of realisation represented on figure 10, the door handle 1 may further comprise a damping device 10, a dimension of the periphery of the seat 9 being adjusted to a dimension of the damping device 10, instead of the vibrational device 4; the damping device 10 is placed on the seat 9, just as the vibrational device 4 was previously, i.e. by insertion in force, and is maintained on the seat 9 by a friction contact with the member 11 protruding from at least one mechanical stops 8. According to this example of realisation, the vibrational device 4 is attached, for example with a glue, to the damping device 10, the damping device 10 being configured to attenuate the vibrations, generated by the vibrational device 4, to a predetermined level of attenuation, and to prevent these vibrations to propagate on the door too far away from the position of the vibrational device 4.

[0054] According to these provisions, the vibrational device may be activated so that the vibrations are felt by the user, without propagating around too far on the rest of the door.

[0055] Figure 5 represents in an exploded view the different components of the door handle 1, according to this last example of realisation: the supporting component 6, the damping device 10, the vibrational device 4, the strain gauge support 5, the screw 12 to attach one end of the strain gauge support 5, and the cover 2, configured to cover all the previous components.

[0056] According to an example embodiment the door handle does not comprise the actuator of the door handle so that release of the door is operated electrically by the ECU of the vehicle.

[0057] The disclosure also relates to a vehicle door comprising a door handle according to any of the embodiments described above, and to a vehicle comprising a vehicle door with a door handle according to any of the embodiments described above.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0034]Figure 1 represents a door handle 1 for an electrically released door, the door handle 1 comprising a cover 2; figure 1 shows a point on a surface of the cover 2 where a pressure F is exerted by a user to trigger an actuator of the electronic released door. Simultaneously, a vibration V is generated on the surface of the cover 2, which is felt by the user, who is thus able to judge that his action, i.e. exerting the pressure on the surface, has been effective.

[0035]Figure 2 represents the same door handle as in figure 1, with the cover 2 removed, showing a supporting component 6 of the door handle 1, and a strain gauge 3 embedded on the supporting component 6.

[0036]The strain gauge 3 comprises for example a strain gauge support 5 and a strain gauge sensor 3', as shown on figure 2 and on figure 3. The strain gauge sensor 3' is for example attached to the strain gauge support 5, one end 5' of the strain gauge support 5 being fixed, for example with a screw 12, to the supporting ...

Claims

1. Door handle (1) for an electrically released door, the door handle (1) comprising a cover (2), a strain gauge (3), a vibrational device (4), and a supporting component (6), the supporting component (6) being configured to receive the strain gauge (3) and the vibrational device (4), the strain gauge (3) being in contact with the cover (2), the strain gauge (3) being paired with the vibrational device (4) so that when a pressure (F) is exerted by the user on a surface of the cover (2), the strain gauge (3) generates a signal sent to an electronic control unit which, when the signal is received, simultaneously: - triggers an actuator of the door handle (1), and - triggers the vibrational device (4) of the door handle (1), so that the vibrational device (4) generates a vibration on the surface of the cover (2).

2. Door handle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the vibrational device (4) and the strain gauge (3) are superimposed one over the other, along a direction (D) transversal to the surface of the cover (2).

3. Door handle (1) according to anyone of claims 1 and 2, wherein a duration and a frequency of the vibration are predetermined.

4. Door handle (1) according to anyone of claims 1 to 3, wherein the strain gauge (3) comprises a flexible strain gauge support (5) and a strain gauge sensor (3') attached to the strain gauge support (5), one end (5') of the strain gauge support (5) being fixed to the supporting component (6), another end of the strain gauge support (5) being movable under the pressure (F) exerted by the user on the surface of the cover (2) wherein on the cover surface(2) there is a distinguish element placed to let be recognizable the activation area of the strain gauge.

5. Door handle (1) according to claim 4, as far as it depends from claim 2, wherein a movement of the other end driven by the pressure (F) exerted by the user displaces the strain gauge sensor (3') in the direction (D) transversal to the surface of the cover (2) towards the vibrational device (4), the movement being stopped by at least one mechanical stop (8) configured to prevent the strain gauge sensor (3') from touching the vibrational device (4), the at least one mechanical stop (8) protruding from the supporting component (6).

6. Door handle (1) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one mechanical stop (8) comprises a plurality of mechanical stops (8) protruding from a periphery of a seat (9) formed on the supporting component (6), the plurality of mechanical stops being regularly dispatched around the seat (9).

7. Door handle (1) according to claim 6, wherein a dimension of the periphery of the seat (9) is adjusted to a dimension of the vibrational device (4), the vibrational device (4) being placed on the seat (9) and maintained on the seat (9) by a friction contact with a member (11) protruding from at least one mechanical stop (8).

8. Door handle (1) according to claim 6, further comprising a damping device (10), and wherein a dimension of the periphery of the seat (9) is adjusted to a dimension of the damping device (10), the damping device (10) being placed on the seat (9) by insertion in force and being maintained on the seat (9) by a friction contact with a member (11) protruding from at least one mechanical stops (8), the vibrational device (4) being attached to the damping device (10).

9. Door handle (1) according to anyone of claims 7 or 8, wherein the member (11) protruding from at least one mechanical stop has a chamfer shape (11') at one end, the chamfer shape being configured to guide the vibrational device (4) or the damping device (10) towards the seat (9) when the vibrational device (4) or the damping device (10) is pushed towards the seat (9) to be inserted in force in between the plurality of mechanical stops (8) protruding from the periphery of the seat (9).

10. Door handle (1) according to anyone of claims 6 to 9, wherein the mechanical stops (8) protrude from the seat (9) towards the strain gauge support (5), transversally to a plane of extension of the seat (9).

11. Door handle (1) according to anyone of claims 7 to 10, wherein the member (11) protrudes from the mechanical stops (8) towards a central point of the seat (9).

12. Door handle (1) according to anyone of preceding claims, the door handle (1) comprising the actuator of the door handle (1), the actuator of the door handle (1) being configured to unlatch and open the door.

13. Door handle (1) according to anyone of claims 1 to 11, the door handle (1) not comprising the actuator of the door handle so that release of the door is operated electrically by the ECU of the vehicle.

14. Vehicle door comprising a door handle (1) according to anyone of preceding claims.

15. Vehicle comprising a vehicule door according to the preceding claim.

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